An Archaeological Survey for the Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland

An Archaeological Survey for the Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland.

For Hydroplan UK.

June 2013.

Jennifer G. Robertson MA PhD FSA Scot. MIFA

Garden Cottage, Ardtornish Estate, Morvern, By Oban, Argyll, PA80 5UZ. Tel. 01967 421234. E-Mail [email protected]

Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme

1. Summary. Twelve archaeological sites were recorded in a desk-based and walkover survey at the Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme, Bealach, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland. All are associated with post-medieval, agricultural activities, including remnants of the farm at Bealach, such as earthen dykes, Sites 3, 5 and 8, and parcels of rig and furrow, Sites 7, 9 and 10. Stone walls, Sites 1, 6 and 11, may represent 19th century land management and Site 4 seems to be a fragment of the old Bealach – Glenstockdale track.

No scheduled ancient monuments or listed buildings were recorded in the survey area or its vicinity,

The archaeological sites with grid references, impact assessments and mitigations are summarized in Table 1 in Appendix A.

2. Introduction. An archaeological survey was undertaken on behalf of Hydroplan UK at Lochan Blar, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland (OS 1:10.000 Sheet NM95SE), prior to the proposed construction of a hydro scheme. (See Fig 1: Location Map) The survey area is situated along the Eas nan Richagan burn, a tributary of the Salachan Burn, which flows into Loch Linnhe at Dalnatrat, to the SW of Keil and Duror.

J.G.Robertson. Ardtornish. June 2013. 1 Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme

The proposed hydro scheme consists of: (See Fig. 2) a) An Intake at the outflow from Lochan Blar nan Lochan at NM 97627 50374 b) A buried pipeline along the left bank of Eas nan Richagan burn from the intake to one of two power house sites. Alternative routes of the pipe are included along two short sections: • a southwestward loop from the intake to the forestry edge • a short section along the right bank of Eas nan Richagan. c) A powerhouse on the SW bank of Salachan Burn at either: • NM 98133 52377 (PH 1) • NM 98283 52230 (PH 1a approx.)

Access will be by an existing track from the A828 road to Bealach Farmhouse and a forestry track up to NM 98030 516005. Access from here to the top of the scheme will be by a new track alongside the pipeline.

The area for archaeological survey consists of a narrow strip of ground, 50m either side of the proposed pipelines, an area 50m in diameter around the intakes and 100m in diameter around the powerhouse.

The area is situated on a bed of Dalradian metamorphic rocks, including quartzite, grit, slate and phyllite, and rises from a height of 60m OD to 260m. The route of the proposed pipeline runs mostly through the coniferous plantation of Bealach Forest, apart from the NE end. The latter consists of agricultural land, some of which was cultivated at one time, but is now grazed by sheep and cattle.

3. Working Methods. The survey consisted of a combination of a desk-based assessment and a rapid walkover survey.

3.1. Desk-based Assessment. The desk-based assessment consisted of the consultation of a variety of sources:

3.1.1. Sites and Monuments Registers. a) The National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS), held by RCAHMS, John Sinclair House, 16 Bernard Terrace, Edinburgh EH8 9NX, available on www.rcahms.gov.uk b) The Historic Environment Record (HER), held by the Highland Council Archaeology Unit, Planning and Development Service, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX, available on www.ambaile.org

One site had previously been recorded within the survey area:

1. Bealach Forest Archaeological Survey centred on NM 99 52 NMRS Ref. NM95SE.12 HER Ref. MHG 49966 The present survey area lies within the boundary of this 2005 survey, although no sites were recorded within the present survey area. (See below, Section 3.1.6) However, one site, an area of cultivated ground, is close to the access road and is included in the present survey as Site 12.

J.G.Robertson. Ardtornish. June 2013. 2 Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme

A further two sites have been recorded within the vicinity:

2. Keil Hut Circle at NM 9820 5312 NMRS Ref. NM95SE.6.01 HER Ref. MHG 582 A small circular structure 2.8m in diameter may be the remains of a roundhouse.

3. Keil Hill Buildings, Cairns, Quarry, Rig and Furrow at NM 9710 5332 NMRS Ref. NM95SE.6 HER Ref. MHG 14424 Field System MHG 14425 Field System MHG 24449 building MHG 44567 Rig and Furrow MHG 44568 Quarry MHG 44566 Cairn

3.1.2. Maps. a) William Roy’s Map of Scotland, 1747-55. (Scran at RCAHMS) b) George Langlands: This map of Argyllshire, 1801. (Nat. Lib. Scot.) c) John Thomson: Southern part of Argyllshire, 1820 in Atlas of Scotland, 1832. (Nat. Lib. Scot.) d) OS 1st Ed. 6” Map Sheets: Argyllshire xliii and lvii, surveyed 1871, publ. 1876 and 1875 respectively. e) OS 2nd Ed. 6” map: Argyll and Bute Sheets xliii SW & SE and lvii NE, revised 1897, publ. 1900. f) OS 1” Popular Edition: Sheet 54 Loch Etive and Glencoe, 1947. g) OS 1:10,000 Sheet NM95SE, 1977. h) OS Explorer 376, Oban & North Lorn, 1:25,000, 2007.

3.1.3. Archives. National Archives of Scotland (NAS) – catalogue on www.nas.gov.uk

3.1.4. Aerial Photographs. Aerial photographs were consulted in the RCAHMS Air Photo Unit: a) 106G/UK/0101; Date 19.05.1946; Scale 1:10,800; Frames 3064-3068, 4061-4064.

Only one series of photographs at a large enough scale was available, though these had been taken prior to the plantation of the Bealach forest, so were useful for identifying sites now covered in forestry (though few sites were visible).

3.1.5. Published Sources. Appin Historical Society: Appin and District, nd. Donaldson, MEM.: Wanderings in the Western Highlands and Islands, 1923 Fairweather, Barbara: Lismore, Duror & Strath of Appin: A Short History, 1976 Gillies, H. Cameron: The Place-Names of Argyll, 1906. McGregor, Rev. Gregor: “United Parishes of Lismore and Appin” in The New Statistical Account of Scotland, vol 7, 223- 256, 1841. McGrigor, Mary: Grass Will not Grow on My Grave: The Story of the Appin Murder, 2002. MacKie, Euan W.: Lismore and Appin: An Archaeological and Historical Guide, 1993 McNicol, Rev. Donald: “United Parishes of Lismore and Appin” in The (Old) Statistical Account of Scotland, vol 1, 482-502, 1791-99. RCAHMS: Argyll Volume 2: Lorn, 1974, HMSO.

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3.1.6. Previous Archaeological Surveys. Two surveys have been carried out in the vicinity of the survey area in recent years. a) J. Wordsworth: Keil Hill – “Archaeological survey in advance of afforestation”, unpublished report – copy held in NMRS MS/626/8.

In 1992, Jonathon Wordsworth undertook an archaeological survey of Keil Hill, prior to afforestation. This survey concentrated on the area to the NE of Salachan Glen and recorded a possible prehistoric hut circle, as well as an extensive agricultural landscape, dating to at least the 18th century.

b) Stuart Farrell: Report of Archaeological Desktop & Walkover Survey Bealach Forest, Lochaber, Highland, June 2005, available on www.ambaile.org.uk

In 2005 Stuart Farrell undertook a desk-top and walkover survey of the Bealach Forest, which includes all of the survey area. Fourteen sites were recorded, all associated with late 18th and 19th century agricultural landscape, but none was in the present survey area. The sites included Salachan and Achvlair farmsteads on the NE side of Salachan Glen, sheepfolds and cultivations rigs. The nearest to the present survey area were areas of cultivation on the SW side of the glen, SW of Dalnatrat. (Farrell, 2005, Site 14) These are centred on: • NM 96936 52984 • NM 96889 53052 • NM 96866 53081 • NM 96724 52805 • NM 96897 52947 • NM 9701152960 The last area is not well-defined but possibly extends as far as the access road and is thus included in the present survey as Site 12.

3.2. Fieldwork. The desk-based research was followed by a rapid walkover survey. This was undertaken by the writer on 22nd and 29th May 2013. The conditions for archaeological survey were exceptionally good. The weather was dry and sunny and the preceding prolonged cold, dry spell precluded any vegetation growth. The entire survey area was walked and all archaeological sites were photographed, recorded with a GPS receiver and plotted on a map.

Most of the survey area lies within the Bealach forest plantation and the archaeological survey was hampered by the effects of various forestry operations. Clearfell in some areas meant that the surface here was largely masked by brash and any small archaeological features would be difficult to identify. These were on the West side of the pipeline route from the North edge of the plantation to the forestry road bridge over the Eas nan Richagan and on both sides of the eastern loop from the there to NM 97932 51256. The western loop from the forestry road bridge to NM 97898 51200 runs through relatively mature trees, though survey was hampered by some windblow. However, much of the pipe route (from NM 97932 51256 to 97384 50579) follows alongside a grassy track (Site 2) within the plantation, with mostly open deciduous woodland on the SE side and mature conifers to the NW so that access and visibility for archaeological survey were good, though ploughing may have damaged any sites. Conditions were also good in the areas outwith the forest: open grazing land from the southern forest edge to the intake and agricultural land from the northern forest edge to the power house sites.

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4. Historical Background.

“Fertile meadows and well-cultivated fields ... backed by lofty mountains which ... separated by deep glens and striped with tumbling cataracts, conspire to impart to the whole scene a character at once beautiful and sublime.” (McGregor, 1841, 226)

This description of Appin in general by the minister of the parish in 1841 might well apply specifically to the survey area in the 19th century. Although a later visitor described Salachan Glen as “a somewhat dreary valley”, the well-cultivated fields, deep glens and tumbling cataracts are certainly true of Eas nan Richagan. (Donaldson, 1923, 317) The deep glens and waterfalls gave rise to the place-name, while remnants of well-cultivated fields are still extant. 1 Other local place-names are also derived from the landscape: thus the Salachan Glen had presumably a covering of willow, while Bealach, applied to the farm and later the FCS Forest, originally came from the pass between Salachan Glen and Glenstockdale to the South, occupied by an old track, Site 4.2

Appin, though not necessarily the survey area itself, has a long history of occupation. Some prehistoric activity to the NE and SW, is indicated by the standing stone at Acharra House, Duror, which, at 3.7m in height, is one of the most impressive in Lorn and another stone, now fallen, at Inverfolla, Strath of Appin. (RCAHMS, 1974, 62; NMRS refs. NM95SE.1 and NM94NE.1) However, a possible hut circle, recorded on Keil Hill on the NE side of Glen Salachan, may suggest prehistoric occupation nearer the survey area. (Wordsworth, 1992) Evidence of later prehistory in the area is perhaps dominated by the well-preserved broch at Tirefour on the SE shore of Lismore, where recent excavations have found some Iron Age material, though remains of a fort also occur on the mainland at Torr a’ Chlaonaidh, overlooking Loch Crearan. (RCAHMS, 1974, 75-77; 74-5)

Both Lismore and Appin had a significant part to play in the Early Christian period: St Moluag arrived on Lismore between 561 and 564 and founded a chapel. (Fairweather, 1976, 2) Although there are no contemporary remains, as succeeding chapels and the12th century cathedral evidently utilised the same site, field walls in the configuration of a vallum may represent the outline of the original monastic community. (NMRS Ref. NM84SE.5)

Another early chapel was founded at Keil, on the shore of Loch Linnhe, just to the NE of Dalnatrat and the survey area. The full name of this site, Cill Chaluimchille, suggests that it was established by St Columba. Adamnan, in his Life of St Columba, records that the saint was staying at “Coire Salchan”, which may equate with Glen Salachan. (Donaldson, 1923, 317) Again there are no contemporary remains on the site, which is occupied by a dilapidated late medieval chapel. (RCAHMS, 1974, 139)

The monastic establishment on Lismore seems to have attracted the attention of Viking raiders, who may have subsequently erected a fortification at Castle Coeffin on the NW side of Lismore (though the present remains date to no earlier than the 13th century). (Ref. NMRS Ref. NM84SE.2) There is less evidence of Viking activity on the mainland, though the place name, Glenstockdale, is clearly of Norse

1 Eas = waterfall or stream with high precipitous banks (Dwelly dictionary) 2 Salachan = the place of the willows; Bealach – pass (Gillies, 1906, 81)

J.G.Robertson. Ardtornish. June 2013. 5 Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme derivation. 3 The route through Glenstockdale via the bealach [pass] to Salachan Glen may well have an early origin.

National events had a major impact on the area in the 18th century. The Stewarts of Appin were staunch supporters of the Stewart kings and thus “came out” in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Stewart of Ardsheal (in the absence of the chief) led the clan through the whole campaign with considerable repercussions for the local community. Out of 300 men in the Appin Regiment at Culloden, 92 were killed and 65 wounded and “few families from Appin – not only Stewarts but MacColls, MacLarens, Carmichaels and Livingstones - did not have men either killed or maimed on that terrible day of 16th April 1746”. (Appin Hist Soc, nd., 5; McGrigor, 2002, 50) Local politics were even more fraught as their nearest neighbours, the Campbell Earls of Argyll sided with the House of Hanover. A rivulet called Con Ruagh [red bog] in Strath of Appin is said to be “the line which separated the lands of the supporters and of the opponents of Prince Charles.” (McGregor, 1841, 238)

After the defeat at Culloden, Stewart of Ardsheal became a fugitive and hid in various caves in the district, including one in Glenstockdale, before escaping to France in September 1746. (McGrigor, 2002, 51) Reprisals, particularly by Captain Caroline Scott from the garrison at Fort William, ensured lasting deprivation on the inhabitants of Appin. Stewart of Ardsheal’s estate was forfeited and the house and farm ransacked. (op cit, 51-2)

Further repercussions of the Stewart – Campbell feud ensued. Colin Campbell of Glenure, known as the Red Fox, was tasked with collecting rents from the forfeited estates. It was during one of his journeys to evict Stewart tenants (in favour of Campbells) that he was shot dead in Lettermore wood, and “The Appin Murder” turned into a 250-year old murder mystery, forming the basis of RL Stevenson’s Kidnapped. James Stewart of the Glen was found guilty by a jury of Campbells in Inveraray, though most in Appin believed in his innocence. He was hanged from a gibbet at Ballachulish (at the South end of the present bridge) and the bones remained hanging for three years, when they were collected and buried at Keil churchyard.

Much speculation ensued over the truth of the matter. One theory states that the assassin was chosen after a test of firearms, which took place at Lagan Bhlar an Lochain, [Lochan Blar nan Lochan] around the site of the hydro scheme intake, “high in the hills to the South of Glen Salachan, from where no gunshot could be heard”. (McGrigor, 2002, 135) The most accurate gun was found to be Dugald MacColl’s and the best shot was Donald Stewart of Ballachulish. However, the true identity of the killer remains a mystery but is believed to be known by the chiefs of the Stewarts of Appin and handed down to their successors. (McGrigor, 2002, 11)

Any settlement at this time was presumably some distance from the lochan. On Roy’s map of 1747-55, the nearest is a group of houses surrounded by arable on the SW bank of Salachan Burn near the shore of Loch Linnhe. This settlement is unnamed by Roy but labelled Coultie on Langlands’ map of 1801 and was presumably associated with the arable recorded by Farrell in 2005, including Site 12.4 The traces of cultivation, Sites 7, 9 and 10, and the dyke, Site 8, may also date to this period, even though Bealach Farm is not recorded on Roy’s map. Settlement is not depicted upstream in Salachan Glen until 1801 when Bealach Farm, labelled

3 Stockdale = stokkr-dalr = dale of stumps (trees (Appin Historical Society, nd, 19) 4 Salachan Burn was named as Water of Coultie on Roy’s map.

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“Billoch”, is marked as well as Achvlair on the NE side of the glen, labelled “Achanan”. However, by this time, the old way of life had completely altered and sheep already had a stranglehold on the local economy. (McNicol, 1791-99, 488) It seems likely that the arable farming up the glen therefore belongs to an earlier era, prior to 1801. Reference to a certain John McColl, tenant of Belloch [Bealach], in 1741 would seem to support this view. (NAS CC2/4/3)

By the 1790’s, there were 25,000 sheep in the parish. A very small proportion of land in Appin was “in tillage” and any black cattle were principally for family use. (ibid.) The stone wall, Site 6, may have been part of farm improvements around this time, possibly replacing an earlier earthen dyke. The long stone boundary, Site 1, may also date to 19th century farm land management, roughly marking the watershed and possibly acting as a march dyke between estates. By 1832, Coultie settlement had been abandoned as it does not appear on Thomson’s map, though “Billoch” is still in use. Bealach, recorded as Balloch on the OS 1st ed. 6” map of 1875, continued in use throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and is still occupied as a farm today.

The higher ground underwent a major transformation with the planting by FCS of the Bealach Forest, sometime after 1946, and a large proportion of the survey area is now covered with spruce trees.

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5. Gazetteer of Sites.

Site 1. Stone Wall. NGR ( NW end within survey area) NM 97256 50599 SE end NM 97637 50342 A stone wall runs NW-SE from the steep slopes of Beinn Sgluich to the NW shore of Lochan Blar nan Lochan. This wall marks the SW edge of the forestry plantation. Three separate segments occur within the survey area.

Site 1a. Stone Wall. NGR (NW end within survey area) NM 97256 50599 SE end NM 97426 50511 A substantial, though dilapidated stone wall runs southeastwards from the base of the steep-sided ridge of Beinn Sgluich to the confluence of Eas nan Richagan and an unnamed tributary. The wall consists of mostly a basal layer of partly overgrown piled up stones, 1.30m in width and 0.40m in height, though some sections, such as at NM 97264 50593, consist of roughly coursed masonry, surviving to a height of 0.90m. At the NW end, the wall stops at the base of a steep scree-covered slope and at the SE end it stops at the top of a steep-sided river bank, though further fragments upstream, Sites 1b and 1c, are presumably continuations of this boundary.

Site 1a at NM 97360 50546, from W Site 1a at NM 97264 50593, from W

Site 1b. Stone Wall. NGR (NW end) NM 97628 50377 (SE end) NM 97628 50370

A small fragment of coursed masonry alongside the riverbank is presumably a continuation of the long boundary, Site 1a. It is situated in an area where the riverbank is low, flanked on either side by steep-sided gorges, where a boundary was, perhaps, unnecessary. The fragment consists of coursed masonry, 0.60m in width and 0.60m in height, and reaches 3m in length but may have continued further to the SE, surviving as intermittent overgrown stones. (Photo from S)

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Site 1c. Stone Wall. NGR (NW end) NM 97634 50352 (SE end) NM 97637 50342

A small fragment of dilapidated stone wall, 0.60m in width and 0.50m in height, alongside the riverbank is presumably a continuation of the long boundary, Sites 1a and 1b. The wall starts on the SE side of a steep cliff, which marks the boundary downstream as far as the next fragment, Site 1b. Intermittent moss-covered stones run southeastwards along the river bank as far as Lochan Blar nan Lochan and continue into the lochan, presumably to a low water mark. (Photo from N – note stones continuing into the water)

Refs: OS 1st Ed. 6” Map Sheet: Argyllshire lvii, surveyed 1871, publ. 1875 – shows Site 1a. Impact Assessment: Site 1a will be cut by the pipe trench at approx. NM 97354 50544. The pipe trench then follows alongside the wall towards the Intake. Site 1b will be largely removed in the construction of the Intake. Mitigation: At Site 1a: Minimise damage by restricting pipe trench to a single cut across the wall. Where the pipe trench follows alongside the wall, ensure that the wall is preserved and not covered in spoil. Re-instate after construction where possible. (The access road is to follow the pipe route so any reconstruction may be limited). At Site 1b: an archaeological watching brief is recommended if removal of Site 1b is necessary during construction of the intake.

Site 2. Track. NGR (NNE end) NM 97661 50920 (SSW end) NM 97397 50555

A grassy track, 2.50m in width, runs through the forest plantation from the Eas nan Richagan at NM 97661 50920 to the southern edge of the plantation at NM 97397 50555. This may not be of any antiquity. The old track from Bealach to Glenstockdale, as marked on the OS 1st ed. 6” map, was situated further to the NW and is mostly covered in forest though a fragment, resembling a holloway, survives as Site 4. This track, Site 2, therefore, may have originated as an access track through the forest. (Photo at NM 97661 50920, from NE)

Impact Assessment: This track is to be used as the pipeline and access route. Mitigation: While the grassy track is attractive, it is not necessarily of any antiquity and the main concern is to preserve the route as a feature. Therefore, no further action is required.

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Site 3. Earthen Dyke. NGR (NW end) NM 97639 50940 (SE end) NM 97691 50880

A substantial overgrown earthen dyke, 1.40m in width and 0.90m in height, runs from the top edge of a steep cliff southeastwards to the top of the NW river bank of Eas nan Richagan. It has been cut by forestry ploughing and a 30m wide gap for the track, Site 2. Planted trees around the section to the SE of the track have been felled, replaced by regenerated deciduous woodland.

(Photo at NM 97661 50920, from NE)

Impact Assessment: The pipe trench runs through a 30m wide gap in this dyke. Mitigation: Use the gap and keep damage to a minimum. Re-instate after construction, where possible. (The access road is to follow the pipe route so this may be limited)

Site 4. Ditch and Bank / Track. NGR (SW end) NM 97948 51437 (NE end) NM 98002 51461

A broad deep ditch runs from the top of a slope on the NW side of Eas nan Richagan to the footbridge at NM 98002 51461. At the SW end the ditch merges with the slope but becomes more pronounced, reaching 1.30m in width and 0.70m in depth towards the NE downslope end. An earthen bank, 1.80m in width and 0.40m in height (on the outer downslope side) follows along the SE side. This feature corresponds with the route of the old track from Bealach to Glenstockdale, depicted on the OS 1st Ed. 6” map of 1876. Most of this track has been covered in forestry but this site, resembling a holloway, may be a surviving fragment. In 1876, the track crossed the Eas nan Richagan by a footbridge, though no remnants of an early bridge were traced around the present footbridge. (Photo at NM 97966 51440, from WSW)

Refs: OS 1st Ed. 6” Map Sheet: Argyllshire xliii, surveyed 1871, publ. 1876. Impact Assessment: The pipe trench runs through this ditch. Mitigation: As this may be part of an early agricultural landscape and the only clearly remaining part of the old track, it would be preferable to avoid this feature. An alternative route might be along the top (to the NW) of the ditch / track.

J.G.Robertson. Ardtornish. June 2013. 10 Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme

Site 5. Earthen Dyke. NGR (SW end) NM 97998 51466 (NE end) NM 98023 51498

A substantial overgrown earthen dyke, curves round the slope from the NE end of the ditch / track, Site 4, and the footbridge to the edge of the riverbank, immediately upstream from a steep waterfall. The dyke measures 1.20m in width and 0.90m in height and is covered in a birch thicket at the SW end. This may be part of an early agricultural landscape.

(Photo at NM 98009 51475, from NE) Impact Assessment: The pipe route closely follows the downslope edge. Mitigation: As this may be part of an early agricultural landscape, it would be preferable to avoid this feature. A single cut across the dyke for the pipe trench might be sustainable but not removal of a longer stretch. Re-routing the pipeline to avoid the ditch / track, Site 4, as noted above, would also preserve this feature.

Site 6. Stone Wall. NGR (NW end) NM 98143 51839

A well-built and well-preserved wall of coursed stone runs southeastwards from the Eas nan Richagan, on the NE side of a modern fence. The wall has a pronounced batter, tapering from a width of 0.90m at the base to 0.50m at the top, and reaches a height of 1.10m. This wall marked the edge of arable ground and traces of rig and furrow are visible on aerial photographs within this field. The wall is as depicted on the OS 1st ed. 6” map and does not continue on the NW side of Eas nan Richagan. Remains of a turf dyke are visible, parallel and 10m to the NE of the wall. (Photo of NW end, from NW) Refs: OS 1st Ed. 6” Map Sheet: Argyllshire xliii, surveyed 1871, publ. 1876 APs 106G/UK/0101 Frame 3067 Impact Assessment: This site is situated on the SE bank of Eas nan Richagan and is not at risk. Mitigation: No action is required.

Site 7. Possible former cultivation. NGR (midpoint) NM 98061 52024 A possible area of rig and furrow, 27m NNW-SSE by 22m, is situated immediately to the NE of the forestry fence, uphill and NW of the forestry road. The traces are feint but can be traced on sloping ground and the furrows run SW-NE, up and down the slope. Impact Assessment: This site is not at risk Mitigation: No action is required.

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Site 7, rig and furrow, from NE

Site 8. Earthen Dyke. NGR (S end) NM 98223 52021 (N end) NM 98222 52056

A low grass-covered earthen dyke, 0.70m in width and 0.30m in height, runs N-S along the top of an area of former cultivation, Site 9. The dyke peters out at both ends.

(Photo at NM 98223 52029, from S)

Impact Assessment: If the pipeline runs along the West side of the track, this site will not be at risk. If the pipeline is on the eastern edge, then it will be close to this site. Mitigation: It would be best to avoid this relic of the early agricultural landscape. It should be marked on the ground to avoid any accidental damage.

Site 9. Cultivation Rigs. NGR (midpoint) NM 98234 52054

An area of rig and furrow, 18m NNW-SSE by 16m, is situated to the East of the earthen dyke, Site 8. The traces are feint but can be traced on sloping ground and the furrows run SW-NE, up and down the slope.

(Photo from South corner – scale in furrow)

Impact Assessment: This site is close to the pipeline route but is probably far enough away to avoid damage. Mitigation: No action is required.

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Site 10. Cultivation Rigs. NGR (midpoint) NM 98216 52137

An area of rig and furrow, 60m NE-SW by 27m, is situated on sloping ground between the modern forestry track and the Bealach Farm track. The rigs are clearly defined, 2.20mm in width and 0.20m in height, separated by furrows, 0.40m in width, and are oriented N-S. A large earthfast boulder marks the western corner.

(Photo from NM 98211 52146, from SW)

Impact Assessment: The pipeline route to Powerhouse 1a (but not the route to Powerhouse 1) will cut through this site. Mitigation: While it would be preferable to avoid this site and use the route to PH 1, it is not considered essential. There are other relics of the early agricultural landscape in the vicinity and the recording of the site within this report is sufficient. No further action is required.

Site 11. Stone Wall. NGR (NE end) NM 98135 52414 (SW end within survey area) NM 98046 52291 A well-built and dilapidated wall of coursed stone runs southwestwards from the SW bank of Salachan Burn. At the NE end, the wall is more dilapidated and consists of piled up stones, 0.90m in width and 0.50m in height. SW of the track, the wall is slightly better preserved and fragments of coursed masonry survive up to five courses at a height of 0.70m. The wall seems to have been topped originally with an iron post and wire fence. A large boulder has been incorporated into it at NM 98070 52315. The wall has been disturbed by maintenance of the Bealach track, centred on NM 98087 52341. It continues uphill beyond the survey area to the SW of NM 98046 52291.

Site 11, wall at NM 98134 52409, from NE Site 11 at NM 98070 52315, from NE (Note large boulder incorporated in wall)

Impact Assessment: The NE end of this wall is close to the site of Power house 1 but will probably be avoided. Mitigation: The wall could sustain some minor damage if necessary but keep damage to a minimum and re-instate where possible.

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Site 12. Cultivation Rigs. NGR (midpoint) NM 97011 52960 Areas of rig and furrow were recorded by Stuart Farrell to the SW side of the access road. One of these, consisting of ill-defined rig and furrow, was recorded at NM 97011 52960. These may extend to the access road. Refs: NMRS Ref. NM95SE.12 - Bealach Forest Archaeological Survey (part of) HER Ref. MHG 49966 (part of) Stuart Farrell: Report of Archaeological Desktop & Walkover Survey Bealach Forest, Lochaber, Highland, June 2005, available on www.ambaile.org.uk, Site 14. Impact Assessment: This site is ill-defined but may extend to the access road. Mitigation: The road is already constructed to a high specification and is unlikely to need widening. No action is required.

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Appendix A: List of Archaeological Sites

Site No. Grid Reference Impact Assessment Mitigation

Site 1 Site 1a will be cut by the At Site 1a: Minimise damage by restricting pipe Stone Wall pipe trench at approx. NM trench to a single cut across the wall. Where (within survey area) 97354 50544. The pipe the pipe trench follows alongside the wall, Site 1a Stone Wall NM 97256 50599 (NW end) trench then follows alongside ensure that the wall is preserved and not NM 97292 50581 the wall towards the Intake. covered in spoil. Re-instate after construction NM 97306 50575 Site 1b will be largely where possible. (The access road is to follow NM 97319 50563 removed in the construction the pipe route so any reconstruction may be NM 97338 50553 of the Intake. limited). NM 97353 50548 NM 97375 50535 (at burn) At Site 1b: an archaeological watching brief is NM 97397 50524 recommended if removal of Site 1b is NM 97408 50519 necessary during construction of the intake. NM 97426 50511 (SE end) Site 1b Stone Wall NM 97628 50377 (NW end) NM 97627 50375 NM 97628 50370 (SE end) Site 1c Stone Wall NM 97634 50352 (NW end) NM 97637 50342 (SE end) Site 2 NM 97661 50920 (NNE end) This track is to be used as While the grassy track is attractive, it is not Track NM 97661 50920 (at track, the pipeline and access necessarily of any antiquity and the main Site 3) route. concern is to preserve the route as a feature. NM 97397 50555 (at culvert Therefore, no further action is required. over Eas nan Richagan) Site 3 NM 97639 50940 (NW end) The pipe trench runs through Use the gap and keep damage to a minimum. Earthen Dyke NM 97661 50920 (at track, a 30m wide gap in this dyke. Re-instate after construction, where possible. Site 2) (The access road is to follow the pipe route so NM 97691 50880 (SE end) this may be limited)

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Site 4 NM 97948 51437 (SW end) The pipe trench runs through As this may be part of an early agricultural Ditch and Bank / NM 97966 51440 this ditch. landscape and the only clearly remaining part holloway NM 97977 51447 of the old track, it would be preferable to avoid NM 97990 51454 this feature. An alternative route might be NM 98002 51461 (NE end) along the top (to the NW) of the ditch / track. Site 5 NM 97998 51466 (SW end) The pipe route closely As this may be part of an early agricultural Earthen Dyke NM 98009 51475 follows the downslope edge. landscape, it would be preferable to avoid this NM 98020 51486 feature. A single cut across the dyke for the NM 98023 51498 (NE end at pipe trench might be sustainable but not river bank) removal of a longer stretch. Re-routing the pipeline to avoid the ditch / track, Site 4, as noted above, would also preserve this feature. Site 6 NM 98143 51839 (NW end) This site is situated on the No action is required Stone Wall SE bank of Eas nan Richagan and is not at risk Site 7 NM 98061 52024 (midpoint) This site is not at risk No action is required Possible Cultivation NM 98073 52017 (E corner) Rigs NM 98056 52009 (S corner) NM 98044 52034 (W corner) NM 98066 52041 (W corner) Site 8 NM 98223 52021 (S end) If the pipeline runs along the It would be best to avoid this relic of the early Earthen Dyke NM 98223 52045 West side of the track, this agricultural landscape. It should be marked on NM 98222 52056 ( N end) site will not be at risk. If the the ground to avoid any accidental damage. pipeline is on the eastern edge, then it will be close to this site. Site 9 NM 98234 52054 (midpoint) This site is close to the No action is required Cultivation Rigs NM 98236 52064 (N corner) pipeline route but is probably NM 98245 52049 (E corner) far enough away to avoid NM 98228 52040 (S corner) NM 98227 52058 (W corner)

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Site 10 NM 98216 52137 (midpoint) The pipeline route to While it would be preferable to avoid this site Cultivation Rigs NM 98202 52103 (S corner) Powerhouse 1a (but not the and use the route to PH 1, it is not considered NM 98189 52129 (W corner) route to Powerhouse 1) will essential. There are other relics of the early NM 98225 52164 (N corner) cut through this site agricultural landscape in the vicinity and the NM 98246 52148 (E corner) recording of the site within this report is sufficient. No further action is required Site 11 NM 98135 52414 (NE end – at The NE end of this wall is The wall could sustain some minor damage if Stone Wall Sallachan Burn) close to the site of power necessary but keep damage to a minimum and NM 98119 52386 (at modern house 1 but will probably be re-instate where possible fence) avoided NM 98117 52385 NM 98100 52358 NM 98093 52346 (at track) NM 98083 52334 NM 98070 52315 NM 98064 52306 NM 98046 52291 (SW end – within survey area) Site 12 NM 97011 52960 (midpoint) This site is ill-defined but The road is already constructed to a high Cultivation Rigs may extend to the access specification and is unlikely to need widening. road. No action is required.

J.G.Robertson. Ardtornish. June 2013. 17 Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme

Fig. 2: The Proposed Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme. (Map from Hydroplan UK)

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Fig. 3: Plan of Archaeological Sites, Sites 1 – 11.

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Fig. 4: Plan of Archaeological Sites, Site 12.

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